Keep up your job-search momentum during summer
Q: I was making great progress with my job search, only to have it come to a standstill during the summer. I have put a tremendous amount of effort into meeting new people, joining online groups, but can’t seem to generate the momentum I once had a couple of months ago. My friends are concerned that I am giving up my search. Could this be the time of year, or is this common among those looking for jobs right now?
A: The summer months can seem hypnotic for those who want to land a job quickly but feel like everything is in slow motion. Just last week, a job candidate described their frustration in waiting to hear from employers about the status of their applications.
Like the holidays, job searching through the summer can seem like your efforts are put on hold until vacations are over and school is back in session. While this candidate was on the brink of putting their search on hold during the summer, another candidate was having a different kind of decision — receiving multiple offers.
You are not alone in questioning the time of year, which leaves you to wonder what makes some candidates have more opportunities than others. The answer might not be about timing rather your job-search strategy and skills.
This summer is more unusual than in the past for various reasons: a restart to the economy. However, FlexJobs conducted a survey last month of 1,800 people who are currently out of work, and they appear to share some of the angst you are feeling. Here are some of the key results of their survey:
• 48% are frustrated in their job search because they’re not finding the right jobs to apply to;
• 46% say jobs are too low-paying;
• 42% say employers are unresponsive;
• 41% say they do not see enough jobs in their preferred profession;
• 15% say they haven’t applied to any job opportunities in the last month because they haven’t found any good opportunities worth pursuing; and
• 34% haven’t secured job interviews.
“Despite the uncertainty, however, the key strategies and tactics to successful job searching do remain the same. I definitely encourage job seekers right now to stay focused on what they can control, such as networking, submitting tailored job application materials, using high-quality job-search services, and staying positive in the process,” said Sara Sutton, CEO and founder of FlexJobs.
From my experience, finding career opportunities is based on a combination of outlook and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. It is not that you want to forget about your job search during the summer or wait for it to end so your new career can begin. The pivotal point in a successful job transition is being prepared to discuss your goals and interests when the opportunity surfaces. Be ready to try new strategies and keep moving forward.